OUR FAMILIES OF CRICKET
CRICKET has always been a sport that people either love or they strongly dislike but for some families it is in their blood.
The Far North cricket community is not just mates who play together, there are dozens of families who are involved across the whole competition. We take a look at some families stories about what it means to them to play together.
ATHERTON CRICKET CLUB – THE BLANEY FAMILY
Graham (father) is coach of Atherton’s third grade which his youngest son Tallas is part of.
Both boys, Mason and Tallas play at Atherton with Mason part of Atherton’s first grade side.
Graham got the chance to play alongside Mason in second grade and also has had the chance to play a few games with Tallas in third grade.
“It has been very special playing with both boys,” Mr Blaney said.
“It is a great opportunity for the young kids to still be able to play with their fathers.
“Maybe one day, the three of us can all play a game together.”
THE PALMER FAMILY
The Palmers are a part of the Atherton and Cassowary Coast cricket clubs.
Kyell (father) is coach and umpire of the Atherton tier two team, Shannon (mother) is the scorer, social media promoter and plays cricket for the Cassowary Coast women’s team.
The two kids, Indiana and Braxton both play in the tier two competition for Atherton while Indiana also plays in the women’s team at Cassowary Coast. Mrs Palmer said one of the greatest moments in the family’s cricket life so far was when Indiana took two catches off Braxton’s bowling during the current season.
“To see them embrace each other to celebrate the wicket was something special,” Mrs Palmer said.
THE VIKIONKORPI FAMILY
Ben Vikionkorpi has been fortunate enough to play first grade with his son Angus this season.
The father-son combo played together in fourth grade last season which was Angus’ first season of senior cricket.
Mr Vikionkorpi also coaches his youngest son Finn at Atherton and also in representative carnivals in recent years.
Deanne (mother), is the scorer for Atherton and Cricket Far North games and has been involved since
Angus and Finn started playing.
Mrs Vikionkorpi has taken up a role on the Atherton committee as the fundraiser organiser this season.
Ben said it was a must for people who could have the chance to play cricket with their kids.
“The opportunity to play together just helps create wonderful bonds with each other outside of the parentchild relationship,” Mr Vikionkorpi said. “It creates wonderful memories that as parents we will always treasure.”
BARRON RIVERS CRICKET CLUB – THE WEBSTER FAMILY
Tony (father) Webster is the Juniors Vice-President for Barron and has been involved within the club since his oldest son Zac played under 9s in 2008.
Zac is now playing second and third grade with Tony playing fourth grade with his middle child Caden and the youngest Braith is playing in the Jimmy Maher Cup.
Mr Webster said even though he hadn’t played cricket with all four of them together, he was hopeful he would get the chance once day.
“If your kids play cricket or any sport for that matter, it is highly rewarding to get involved even in a small way,” Mr Webster said.
“I’d encourage all parents to do something little as it takes a bit of the load off those that are helping out.
“I got the chance to bat with both Zac and Caden last year which was pretty special.
“Doing that was the most satisfying thing a father and son can do on the cricket field and hopefully I get the chance to do it with Braith soon.”
MAREEBA CRICKET CLUB – THE LEEDS FAMILY
Simon Leeds has been lucky enough this season to play alongside Damon, who is 15, in fourth grade.
Mr Leeds previously was a scorer and coach of the juniors for Mareeba before being convinced to put the pads on and play some games in fourth grade.
“It is a great way to spend time with them and bond with them in a different way to how it happens at home,” Mr Leeds said.
“He (Damon) is likely to be heading to better grades and I’m likely to stay where I am.
“Teaming up to dismiss a batsman is great and batting together to make a partnership is great.
“But I really enjoy being part of the team and the experience when he achieves a new personal best in some way.”
MULGRAVE CRICKET CLUB – THE HOUGHTON FAMILY
It is a family that isn’t just known at the Mulgrave Cricket Club but around Cairns cricket community.
The Houghton family has been playing cricket together since 2017 but all have been involved at Mulgrave when Mitchell (son) played under 11s in 2007.
Bruce (father), Soraya (daughter) and Mitchell all play fourth grade together with Mitchell fortunate enough to captain the side.
Mother Loretta plays in the women’s team with Soraya as well as being on the committee.
Mrs Houghton said there was no better joy than stepping out onto the field with your kids.
“Seeing Mitchell, Bruce and Soraya playing altogether is one of my greatest memories,” Mrs Houghton said.
“It makes for great conversations at the dinner table Sunday nights as well.
“We are quite competitive in trying to outdo one another but supportive at the same time.”
NORTHS CRICKET CLUB – THE FABILA FAMILY
Starting off in indoor cricket, Paula Fabila used to drag her brother Ronnie along to games where he would sit and watch until eventually playing.
Now, Paula, Joel (Paula’s son) and Ronnie have all played at Norths Cricket Club for the past six years.
Paula said the chance to play with both brother and son in either indoor or outdoor cricket was an experience she would treasure forever.
“Show them (the kids) where their talent comes from, compete with them and a bit of banter only creates character,” Ms Fabila said.
“Joel doesn’t give me hugs and kisses on the field but I get high fives and a pat on the back, so I will take what I can get.
“Cricket can be as easy as you make it and the mums that get out there for their daughters will be etched in their daughter’s playing experience forever.”
ROVERS CRICKET CLUB – THE HALPIN FAMILY
The Halpin family bleed green and it shows with four members of the family all apart of the Rovers Cricket Club.
Darren (vice-president), Noelle (treasurer) and the two boys Harry, 16, (first and second grade) and Oliver,
14, (third grade).
Mr Halpin has had the chance to play with both of his sons and said he didn’t even think twice when given the opportunity to do it.
“Playing with your sons is a truly amazing experience,” Mr Halpin said.
“From getting ready in the morning, to warming up, batting with both boys and then bowling with them and taking a catch off their bowling.
“We are all very competitive on the field and as a 52-year-old, running between the wickets is a challenge and the boys certainly let me know about it.
“When I went to Townsville to watch Oliver play for Cricket Far North, my father would ring me while Harry was bowling or batting up here in the Bulls Masters Youth Cup and commentate for me.”
THE MARGIOTTA FAMILY
Rovers president John Margiotta had almost a 30 year break between innings from when he played juniors in the 1980s to when his son Dayne played senior cricket.
Mr Margiotta recalled some of the greatest highlights were when he, his wife Melissa and Dayne were all involved.
“Rovers Under 15s team, I coached, Dayne played and Melissa scored,” Mr Margiotta said.
“Coaching kids is a rewarding pastime.
“I don’t see it as a job or a chore. “Coaching your own child can be tricky and often makes for awkward car trips home.”
The Rovers president said parents should get in the nets and learn how to play so they get the chance to experience the opportunity many other families are experiencing in Cairns.